NEWS UPDATE: Millwall Under-21 boss Kevin Nugent discusses ‘huge talented player

MILLWALL Under-21 boss Kevin Nugent believes Romain Esse is a “huge talent” – but is keen to not put any pressure on him.

The 18-year-old lit up the opening weekend of the Championship season by coming off the bench and scoring a wonderful goal to help Millwall snatch victory at Middlesbrough.

Nugent has seen Esse up close in his role managing the Lions’ brightest young stars and believes the teenager’s raw ability is clear to see.

He told our paper: “I think everyone is aware of his talent. He’s been called up for England’s under-18s, [Gary Rowett] will put him in at the right time and he will get his time to perform for the first team.

“Everyone knows he’s a huge talent and we certainly don’t want to put too much pressure on him. And the manager’s dealt with a lot of young players before so he’ll know how that works.”

The Lions’ senior manager Rowett led the praise for Esse after his super sub appearance last Saturday.

He said: “Rom just has great quality. He’s just a talented, talented player. I thought [him and Aidomo Emakhu] combined really well.

“And you’re not going to find a more composed finish whether you’re 30 years old or eighteen years old in the division this afternoon. It’s a beautiful, beautiful finish and certainly deserved the applause.”

Nugent is preparing for a whole new season of under-21 action after last year’s team won the Professional Development League.